Speak half century sees Westgate to Warton win

Westgate were three-wicket winners over Warton in Division One of the Westmorland Cricket League on Saturday.

Batting first Warton began poorly with Stuart Mayor, Darren Moore, Tom Barnfield and Jack Tugman all back in the pavilion to leave Warton wobbling on 50-5.

Dylan Conroy (2-26) provided the initial breakthrough but it was Garry Tattersall (3-34) who did most of the early damage taking three of the top five victims.

This became even worse for the visitors as Ste Pemberton failed again with the bat and it was 51-6 when Ryan Nelson went for a gritty 25.

It looked like an early finish was on the cards but the experienced duo of captain Gareth Finney and Graeme Crowther had other ideas and set about rebuilding the innings to give Warton something to bowl with.

Finney played patiently and picked off any loose bowling to top score with 43 as the pair added a chanceless 68 for the eighth wicket.

Crowther (22) for once played the anchor role and it enabled Warton to bat through to their final allotted over ensuring Warton were back in the game as they were bowled out for 121.

Home skipper Andy Hill had kept a lid on proceedings with 15 unchanged overs taking 3-22.

In reply Westgate were soon on the ropes as Steven Beck (4-31) teared into Westgate’s top order and with Crowther (2-31) reduced the hosts to 20-4.

Westgate were in need of some crucial runs at a crucial time, and it was Ryan Speak (53) alongside Conroy (26) who added some calmness to proceedings.

Doing the top order’s job they took the sting out of the game before going onto flourish in a match winning partnership of 82 in 20 overs.

A few late wickets from Beck and Ryan Nelson caused a few nerves for Westgate but they hung on to take the victory and 15 points, finishing on 124-7.